Abstract

Background

Sexual violence is considered a serious violation of human rights which affects mainly
young women and adolescents. There is little information about the conditions under
which sexual offences occur. We evaluated characteristics of sexual violence against
adolescent girls and adult women.

Method

This is a quantitative, retrospective, descriptive study of sexual violence against
adolescent girls and adult women. Analyses were carried out on data collected from
1118 women, 546 adolescents (10-19 years) and 572 adults (≥ 20 years), with a complaint
of rape treated at Hospital Pérola Byington, São Paulo, between 1994 and 1999. The
age limit of the adolescent sample met the World Health Organization’s (WHO) criteria.
We analyzed the type of sexual contact, degree of intimidation, perpetrator and activity
of the victim during the approach.

Results

Crimes without penetration were five times more frequent in adolescents and use of
threats of death or intimidation was common in both groups. Mental illness was more
prevalent in adult victims and the majority of adolescent victims were aged <14 years.
Uncle and stepfather perpetrators were more frequent among adolescents and partners
or former intimate partners in adult women. In most cases the approach occurred in
public places, although sex crimes at the perpetrator’s residence were more frequent
amongst adolescents.

Conclusions

Although children and adolescents require the same intervention measures and legal
protection, a considerable proportion of adolescent sex offenders can face conditions
similar to those of adult women.